Valdecoxib

Do not take Valdecoxib if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have severe liver impairment, inflammatory bowel disease, severe congestive heart failure, or have experienced asthma or allergic reactions after taking acetylsalicylic acid or NSAIDs including COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors, or have a known hypersensitivity to sulphonamides. Valdecoxib is not recommended for the treatment of postoperative pain following CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) surgery. Inform the doctor if you have oedema, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney or liver problems. Avoid taking Valdecoxib during the last trimester of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Valdecoxib is not recommended for children below 18 years.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking painkiller (aspirin), anti-rheumatic (methotrexate), ACE inhibitors, diuretics (furosemide), anti-convulsants (phenytoin), anti-histamine (dextromethorphan), antimanic agent (lithium), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, fluconazole), anti-diabetic (glyburide), antacid (omeprazole), benzodiazepines (diazepam) and oral contraceptives.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have active peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding problems, severe hepatic impairment, or heart problems.

• Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
• Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
• Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
• De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
• Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
• Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
• Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Serious skin reactions have been reported with the use of Valdecoxib; patients are at a higher risk within the first two weeks of treatment, but they may occur at any time during the treatment. Valdecoxib should be discontinued at the first appearance of mucosal lesions, skin rash, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.